NFL Network’s annual countdown of the league’s top 100 players — a list determined by the players themselves — has been whittled down to the final 20.

I’m 95% certain I know at least 95% of it and thought I’d take a crack at ranking the remainders, though I have little faith it will correlate with the final voting given some of the suspect choices the players have already made:

QB Peyton Manning (Broncos) – The quarterbacking version of Deep Blue is coming off the greatest statistical season by any passer in NFL history, not to mention a record fifth MVP award. It would be a shock if he doesn’t top the rankings.

WR Calvin Johnson (Lions) – Injuries hindered him in 2013, but is there a more physically dominant player in the league?

DE J.J. Watt (Texans) – There isn’t a more relentless player in NFL. And he’s an exceptional athlete to boot.

RB Adrian Peterson (Vikings) – Now fully healthy, he could be ready for another run at Eric Dickerson’s record.

FS Earl Thomas (Seahawks) – His sublime range and instincts truly make him the key to Seattle’s defense.

CB Richard Sherman (Seahawks) – He may not exclusively shadow No. 1 receivers, but that isn’t his role in Seattle’s defense. Given his ring and INT crown, can you argue with the results?

QB Aaron Rodgers (Packers) – For our money, he still has the best overall skill set of any quarterback on the planet — his anticipation and accuracy never fail to amaze — despite injury-impaired season.

RB Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks) – Clutch. Old school. Bruising. Champ.

QB Tom Brady (Patriots) – Yes, his numbers were down. But he nearly piloted the Pats back to a Super Bowl despite degraded supporting cast.

DE Robert Quinn (Rams) – His sack totals have roughly doubled every season … so he’s due for about 40 in 2014. OK, probably not, but his burst off edge might enable him to challenge Michael Strahan’s mark.

LB Luke Kuechly (Panthers) – Defensive player of the year’s persona doesn’t scream Ray Lewis. But his game does.

QB Drew Brees (Saints) – His 5,162 passing yards and 39 TDs were his worst totals since 2010. He may be a product of Cyberdyne Systems.

RB Jamaal Charles (Chiefs) – Never gets caught from behind. And his production never wanes even though he’s the only home-run threat Kansas City has.

LT Joe Thomas (Browns) – You can quibble with his run blocking. But there’s no better blind side bodyguard playing today.

QB Russell Wilson (Seahawks) – Super Bowl season probably vaulted him this far. But intangibles are off charts, and he won’t lose games. Sustained development should eventually land him in top 10.

WR Josh Gordon (Browns) – Had he not been suspended two games last year, probably had legit shot at 2,000 receiving yards. And we’ll probably write something similar next year.

FS Jairus Byrd (Saints) – Not fully confident he’s the list’s 20th player, but New Orleans made him the league’s richest safety because of his football thievery (22 INTs, 11 forced fumbles in five seasons).